The Aspen Environmental Health Department is offering an unprecedented 400 free radon test kits during the month of January to Aspen residents.

“In past years, we were only able to offer a coupon for a test kit, and now we have a large amount to give away thanks to a grant Aspen received from the state,” said Environmental Health Coordinator Jannette Whitcomb. “In addition to radon test kits, the Environmental Health Department also is giving out free compact fluorescent light bulbs for Holy Cross customers, and for Aspen Electric customers, special rebate offers for home energy audits.”

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is estimated to cause 20,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the U.S. Luckily, there are simple low cost actions homeowners can take if their home has high radon levels, but the only way to know your home’s level is to test for radon. The state health department urges residents to test their homes for radon, a radioactive gas contributing to as many as 500 Colorado lung cancer deaths each year. The colorless, odorless, tasteless gas enters homes through cracks in the floor or spaces around utility pipes and accumulates unless properly vented.

“Winter is a great time to test for radon because short-term tests require closed windows and doors,” Whitcomb said. “Testing is easy, and it’s the only way to know for certain if your health is at risk. Once you’ve tested, we can help you interpret your results and give you information about what radon remediation options are available to you.”